BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Over a week after an 18-year-old Titusville student was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship, new court documents show that one of her step-siblings may be investigated, according to News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
The student — identified as Anna Kepner, a senior at Temple Christian School — was found dead on Nov. 7 aboard the cruise ship, records say. Investigators have yet to release many details about her death.
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RELATED | 18-year-old Titusville student identified as passenger who died on Carnival cruise ship
More specifically, though, those documents come up as part of a motion by Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, to delay a child custody hearing with her ex-husband.
“An extremely sensitive and severe circumstance has arisen wherein (Hudson) will not be able to testify at the hearing at this time,” the motion reads.
According to these records obtained by News 6, Hudson, her two minor children, and Kepner’s father were all aboard the ship together with Kepner.
However, the motion also claims that FBI investigators told Hudson that a criminal case may be pursued against one of her minor children.
“Any testimony (Hudson) may give, either written or oral, could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation,” the motion continues. “Therefore, (Hudson) cannot be compelled to testify.”
According to CBS News, Kepner’s body was reportedly discovered by a housekeeper underneath the bed in her stateroom.
CBS News also reports that detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the ship and obtaining cell phone data as part of their inquiry.
Following her death, students and community members created a memorial around her car, which remained parked at the school. Parents and classmates described her as a caring teenager who volunteered in her grandparents’ neighborhood and was open about her faith.
Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement shortly after the incident, saying its focus was on supporting the teen’s family.
At this time, it remains unclear whether any charges have been filed, and investigators have not confirmed whether the minor referenced in the court filing is connected to the teen’s death.
Authorities say the FBI Miami field office continues to lead the investigation.